Editorial: Lone Star State can't go it alone

It is hard to take seriously the desires of those who want the state of Texas to secede from the United States of America.

On the other hand, the never-ending opining from those on both sides of the debate has been entertaining — so the political ranting has not been a total loss.

Allow us to chime in (with our boots firmly on, but tongue just slightly in cheek.)

Things have changed — to say the least — since the 1830s, when Texas was content to go it alone as a republic.

To those who think the Lone Star State could again make it all by its lonesome without its Uncle Sam: We admire the spirit, to a certain extent, just not the reality of that thinking.

Numerous studies show the state of Texas pays more in federal taxes than it receives, but could the state really assume all the responsibilities of the federal government and still make ends meet? Things are bigger in Texas, but are they that big?

It is hard to imagine the federal government would keep or maintain all of its military installations in the state, which would have a huge negative economic impact.

And what about aid from the federal government in terms of natural disasters and agriculture (just to name a couple of federal government programs that would be left up in the air)?

Sure, we could have our own currency — but it is possible the likeness of whomever might be in the governor’s mansion at the time would be plastered on such currency, rather than, say, Sam Houston, Stephen F. Austin, William Travis, Jim Bowie or Davy Crockett. That possibility alone — the mug of the governor on our coinage — should cause secessionists to seriously reconsider.

And what of our borders? Our southern border with Mexico has long been a source of controversy. For the sake of argument, if Texas was successful as its own nation, how would the state deal with an immigration problem that now includes “undocumented immigrants” from Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana and New Mexico?

While we share in some of the frustration Texans have with where the federal government might be heading, it is just not realistic to think secession is a viable option.

Now talking about secession — well, it surely provides lots of fodder.

Oh, and we almost forgot the most important result of secession.

The Dallas Cowboys — how would they be able to keep the nickname “America’s Team?”

That should be all the reason secession supporters need to change their minds.